<p>Please help! I'm so confused/conflicted as to whether or not I should apply EA or ED to one of my top-choice schools. Here's my predicament:</p>
<p>-my two top-choice schools are Yale and Princeton</p>
<p>-I originally wanted to apply SCEA to Yale (so I could compare Financial Aid packages and do overnight visits at several schools... not be bound to just one)</p>
<p>-I've heard that I won't get accepted early to Yale, because most people in the EA pool are either recruited athletes, minorities, uber-geniuses, etc.</p>
<p>-then I considered applying ED to Princeton, because I've heard that in the early decision pool (vs. early action) my chances would be considerably higher, despite my lack of a "hook"</p>
<p>-then I thought I would be better off not to apply early anywhere because supposedly the Regular Decision pool is less cut-throat competitive</p>
<p>-now I'm thinking I should definately apply early at one of these two schools, because with the rare chance I should be deferred (instead of the more likely outcome -- rejected), I would have a better chance in the Regular Decision pool</p>
<p>So... my question is: what is the best choice? Should I apply early at my no. 1 choice (Yale EA)? Should I apply early to my no. 2 choice (Princeton ED)? or should I apply to all schools RD? I would also like to know... are Yale and P.ton more likely to defer or reject an applicant who isn't accepted in the early round? Thanks so much for your advice! Please only post if you somewhat know what you are talking about and aren't just going by rumor, b/c as you can see, I've already heard plenty of uninformed opinions which aren't helping me at all!!</p>